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Yale University Press releases new Calvin biography

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July 10 marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. On that day Yale University Press will release what some scholars are predicting will become the standard work on the life of John Calvin. Authored by Yale’s Professor of Reformation History, Bruce Gordon, the book presents Calvin from a perspective many admirers of Calvin will find unique.

I’m only about 25% of the way through my copy, so I will withhold a complete commentary until I’ve finished it. I will admit, however, to skipping ahead to the section that covers Calvin’s treatment of the heretic Michael Servetus. Suffice it to say that Gordon’s handling of the history around this controversial event makes it clear that he is approaching Calvin’s life dispassionately and objectively.

The book will be released on June 22, 2009. Read more here.

Piper on Superstar Pastors

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It’s interesting that during the Basics 2009 Conference in Cleveland I mused to myself about the seeming incongruity of the attendees standing in long lines for an opportunity to meet the speakers (John Piper, Alistair Begg, John Lennox, Keith Getty, et al). I myself have stood in these lines at previous conferences either for an opportunity to meet a speaker or to have my photo snapped with them.

Is this behavior consistent with the humility that is supposed to characterize followers of Christ? Are there pride issues that need to be addressed either in the heart of the seeker or the heart of the speaker?

I resisted the temptation after the Basics Conference to blog on my observations. But now John Piper has addressed this issue in a recent blog post of his own, which I commend to you:

Hero Worship and Holy Emulation

Kevin DeYoung offers his thoughts on Piper’s post: Thoughts on Evangelical Superstardom

Vacation Reading

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I’ve just returned from a week in Pigeon Forge, TN which is a city good for only one thing – READING. The cabin was very secluded with an excellent view of the Smoky Mountains’ highest peak. It was from my perch on the deck where I spent my mornings reading, rising early by 6:30 am each day and reading until about 10:00 am each morning.

Here’s what I was reading:

NBC gives Obama the Royal treatment

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It’s the best evidence yet of the dangerous infatuation the main stream media has with Barack Hussein Obama. At the conclusion of his interview with President Obama, NBC’s Brian Williams clearly bows and averts his eyes as he says goodnight to the president.

Excuse Me, Mr. President: Your Islamic Roots are Showing…

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In remarks during his arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Obama noted the he made this trip because “I thought it was important to come to the place where Islam began…” Why exactly? Is Islam more important to this president than Christianity?

ABC’s Jake Tapper has more at his blog:

Since the election…the White House has been increasingly forthcoming about the president’s roots. Especially when reaching out to the Muslim world.

By the way, did I mention that while our “Christian” president is praising Islam, he still hasn’t found a “Christian” church to attend in Washington? Does anyone know where the president is on a typical Friday night?